by Leanne Banks
“You sound surprised.”
“Maybe I was,” he admitted. “Since this pregnancy was unplanned—”
“Doesn’t mean I’m not going to be informed. I’ve signed up to take an infant care class in a couple of weeks, and I’ve been researching pediatricians. Since I’ve changed where I’m living, I may need to do some additional research.”
“I can get you the best pediatrician in Las Vegas anytime you want,” he said finally, determined that Lilli and his nephew would have no less. “What kind of preschool you want him to attend?”
“I’m leaning toward a Montessori school but they can be expensive, so I’ll have to see.”
“Money won’t be an issue—”
“As long as I sign your agreement, which I won’t,” she said.
“Yet,” he corrected, feeling a twist of impatience. He’d made sure he didn’t do anything that would cause his character to be called into question. Not after his father. “You can change your mind after you know me better.”
“Maybe,” she conceded. “But I still don’t like the idea of signing my butter bean over to anyone.”
“It’s the job of a parent to make sure the child is taken care of in the event of the parent’s death.”
“I know.”
A swollen silence followed, and he sensed she was thinking about things that made her sad. His gut twisted. He couldn’t explain it, but he didn’t want Lilli sad, so he changed the subject. “You didn’t say anything about sports. The De Lucas are naturally athletic, good with any competitive sports. I could teach him soccer, tennis, basketball.”
“That’s nice, but the important question is can you play peekaboo?”
Max blinked and glanced at her. From the glow of the dashboard, her eyes gleamed with a combination of innocence and sensuality. “Peekaboo?”
She nodded. “Yes, and how good are you at giving hugs and pats on the back? A kid needs hugs and pats on the back more than soccer.”
Max digested her comments for a long moment. “You think I may not be affectionate enough.”
“I didn’t actually say that.”
“But you thought it.”
She opened her mouth then closed it. “I think a child needs someone who means safety and security, home. That person will love you whether you make the goal or not. That person will teach you how to take a bad day and make it better. I think a child needs compassion.”
He pulled in front of the resort where the event was being hosted. “We’ll continue this discussion later.”
“Okay,” she said and lifted her mouth in a sexy smile. “Are you ready for your grand entrance?”
He looked at her for a long moment, unable to tear his gaze away from her. With her sunbeam hair and eyes full of life, she literally sparkled. She took his breath away. “Sweetheart, they’re not going to be looking at me,” he said, and gave his keys to the valet.
Six
Lilli felt curious gazes fastened on her as she sat next to Max at the dinner table. Chandeliers lit the luxurious ballroom, warming the red carpet and creating a glow on faces belonging to the who’s who of the Las Vegas elite. Walls lined with elegant mirrors reflected women outfitted in designer gowns swishing alongside men dressed in expertly tailored suits. Servers refilled her glass of water before she had an opportunity to make a request.
It was by far the most luxurious event she’d ever attended and she constantly reminded herself not to put her elbows on the table. She noticed many people made a point of stopping to speak to Max. Even the mistress of ceremonies introduced him and thanked him for donating the resort’s grand ballroom for the night’s festivities.
Just as Max picked up his fork to take a bite of coq au vin, a man stopped and touched his shoulder. “Good to see you here, Max. And congrats on the success of your latest refurbishment project in your Luxotic resorts in the Caribbean. I understand they’re often booked over a year in advance.”
“Thank you,” Max said. “It takes a team. Good to see you too, Robert.”
The man walked away and Lilli leaned toward Max and whispered, “Would you like me to put a sign on the back of your chair telling people not to talk to you until you finish eating?”
His lips twitched. “There are only three words appropriate for that question.”
“What?”
“I told you,” he said and took a bite.
“True,” she said. “But maybe people wouldn’t feel it necessary to try to talk to you if you attended more of these. Think about it. If they know this is their only shot at actually speaking to the mighty Max De Luca, they’ve got to grab it. If, however, they know you’ll show up at some other events, maybe they won’t feel the need to speak to you every time they see you, which is almost never.”
“You’re saying the attraction to me is how rarely I appear. It has nothing to do with me or my position. If I showed up more often, I would be old news.”
She realized he could take that as an insult. “I never used the word old news. I’m just saying maybe some of the attention could be spread out over several appearances instead of concentrated on just one.”
“Spread the torture out over several evenings instead of getting it done in one.”
She sighed and shook her head. “Maybe it wouldn’t feel as much like torture if it was spread out.” She glanced up and saw a familiar woman walking toward them. “Is that—”
“Max, what a surprise. You told me you weren’t planning to come tonight,” the woman said and Lilli recalled who she was. Kiki.
Lilli felt a nervous twitch at the back of her neck.
“Last-minute change of plans,” Max said, rising to his feet. “Are you enjoying the event?”
Kiki shot Lilli a venomous glance. “Not as much as if I were with you,” she said and touched his arm.
“Oh, I’m sure I would have bored you to tears. I’m doing the same to Lilli. Just ask her,” he said, glancing down at Lilli with a devil’s glint in his eyes.
“I’m sure Lilli would never call you boring,” Kiki said. “No woman in her right mind would.”
“Let’s ask Lilli. Tell the truth,” he said.
She searched his gaze, wondering why on earth he was putting her on the spot like this. “Kiki is right. I wouldn’t have described you as boring.”
“See?” Kiki said.
“But he can complain right up there with the best of them,” she added.
Kiki’s eyes narrowed in disapproval. Max stared at her in surprise and Lilli heard the clatter of sterling silver hit the floor beside her followed by the sound of nervous laughter from the woman sitting in the chair beside her.
Fighting a twinge of nervousness and regret, Lilli lifted her shoulders. “You told me to be honest.”
“Yes, I did,” he said, giving the distinct impression he wouldn’t make the same request again.
Kiki cleared her throat. “I need a quick private word with you, Max. It’s urgent. Do you mind?”
He shot a longing glance at his food and Lilli. “Oh, go,” she urged him. “If you’re not back soon, I’ll ask the server to wrap it up to take home.”
He bent down and whispered in her ear. “At this rate we may be stopping at Wendy’s for me.”
She smiled. “Drive-through is open until midnight.”
He gave a rough chuckle and turned toward Kiki.
“He’s so hot,” the young woman beside her said. “How could you send him off with that beautiful woman? You must be confident of your relationship with him,” she said in admiration.
Lilli turned to the pudgy young woman with the sweet face. “Max and I have an unusual relationship,” she said wryly.
The woman nodded, glancing at Lilli’s pregnant belly. “You don’t have to tell me anything. I’ve heard him dodging questions the entire dinner. I know what it’s like to be surrounded by people with hidden agendas. Oh, I’m sorry. I should have introduced myself. I’m Mallory James.”
“I’m Lilli—”
/> “McCall,” Mallory said, then blushed. “I overheard him introduce you several times. I’m not usually nosy, but since I’m here by myself tonight, and the two of you were more interesting than the almost-dead and completely deaf eighty-seven-year-old beside me…well…”
Lilli smiled. “I’m glad we at least provided a little entertainment. Nice to meet you, Mallory.”
The other woman glanced past Lilli’s shoulder. “Good grief, you’re surrounded by them,” she murmured.
“Lilli, you’re looking delicious tonight,” a male voice said just behind her.
Lilli turned around to meet Alex Megalos’s friendly gaze. She couldn’t help smiling as she shook her head. “Do you give lessons on flirting on the side?”
“No way. Gotta keep my edge. Where did Max go? Not wise to abandon a woman as beautiful as you.”
“You’re so right,” she said. “I’m bracing myself for the stampede any minute.”
Mallory cleared her throat loudly.
Lilli glanced back at the woman whose expression clearly said please introduce me. “Oh, Alex Megalos, have you met Mallory James? She’s new to town. Alex works for Megalos-De Luca Enterprises.”
Alex extended his hand to Mallory and lifted it to his lips. “Enchanted. Have I heard of your father?”
“Perhaps,” Mallory said, stuttering. “James Investments and Wealth Management.”
Alex nodded in recognition and gave a roguish smile, dipping his head toward hers. “Yes. I bet he keeps you under lock and key. I hear he’s excellent. I’d love a chance to chat with him. Is he here tonight?”
“Not tonight,” Mallory said and pulled out a card. “But I’d be happy to introduce you. Give me a call?” she asked, rising, bumping into a server carrying a tray of drinks.
“Oh, no.” Lilli watched helplessly as the drinks tumbled, splattering Mallory’s pink gown and at least one leg of Alex’s pants.
The server’s face froze. “I’m so sorry.”
“Club soda,” Lilli said, quickly standing. “Club soda works magic for stains. And we need more napkins,” she called after the waiter as he left. She gave her napkin to Alex and blindly accepted one that someone else offered her.
She gave the other napkin to Mallory, meeting the horrified gaze of her new acquaintance. “Mallory, go ahead to the powder room. I’ll bring the club soda, sweetheart. These servers move so quickly,” she said.
As soon as Mallory was out of earshot, she turned to Alex. “Shame on you for causing all this trouble.”
“Me?” Alex said in an incredulous voice, wiping his slacks.
“You’re such a flirt. I’m sure you know what kind of effect you have on most women. You really should be more careful doling out those kisses and smiles.”
Max appeared at her side and glanced at Alex. “Did someone finally decide to douse him?” he asked, half-joking.
Alex met Max’s gaze and gave a heavy sigh. “No. it was the server. Dammit, Lilli can explain it to you,” he said and left.
“He didn’t hit on you again, did he?”
She shook her head. “He’s a flirt. I introduced him to the woman beside me and he got her all flustered. She bumped into the server and there was a spill. Ah, here comes the club soda,” she said, smiling at the server as he delivered the bottle and some extra napkins.
“I’m so sorry,” he said.
“Accidents happen,” she said then looked at Max. “I need to do a little emergency stain removal.”
“Saving the day?” he said, his gaze glinting with something that looked like approval.
“That’s a stretch, but I would hope someone would do the same for me in the same situation.”
He lowered his head toward her. “I could kiss you right this very minute.”
Lilli’s heart slammed into her rib cage and she gaped at Max. “You—”
“You heard me,” he said and his voice was so seductive she immediately felt hot and flustered. “Now go do your good deed.”
Stepping backward, her gaze still trapped by his, she nearly stumbled. Max’s hand shot out to steady her. “You’re worse than Alex.”
His eyes widened in outrage. “What the hell—”
She pulled away. “I need to do my good deed,” she said and forced her gaze away from his so she could regain her equilibrium. Men, she thought and headed for the powder room.
As soon as she entered the luxurious room with a sitting area separate from the stalls, she looked for Mallory, but couldn’t find her. Lilli walked into the connecting room filled with stalls and tentatively called, “Mallory?”
“I’m here,” she said, covering her face as she exited one of the restrooms. “I can’t believe I did that. I’m so embarrassed. I can’t go back in there.”
“Of course you can. It was just a little spill. They happen all the time,” Lilli said, urging the young woman into the sitting area. “Come on. Let me work on your dress.”
Mallory moaned. “Why did I have to make a server spill wine on the most amazing man I’ve ever met?”
“Alex can afford to be taken down a peg or two.” She poured a little club soda on the worst spots.
“But not by me,” Mallory said. “Do you think he’ll run from me every time he sees me from now on?”
Lilli shook her head, dabbing at the dress. “Of course he won’t. If nothing else, your meeting was memorable. He’ll probably talk to dozens of people tonight, but not many—”
“None,” Mallory corrected and gave a reluctant laugh. “None will have gotten his slacks wet.” She smiled and met Lillie’s gaze. “You’ve been very kind to me. Would you mind getting together with me sometime for lunch if I promise to try not to spill anything on you?”
Lilli laughed. “I’d love to,” she said. “You know this is the same kind of thing that could have happened to me.”
“I can’t see it,” Mallory said. “You look so graceful.”
“Thank you, but it’s true. Now it’s time for us to get back to dinner. The auction should start soon.”
Mallory sighed and stood. “Okay, let me put on a little more lipstick.”
While Mallory took a couple extra minutes to primp, Lilli walked out into the hallway. She’d gone no more than three steps when she nearly ran into Kiki.
Lilli immediately backed away. “Oh, excuse me. How are you?”
Kiki narrowed her eyes. “I could be a lot better.” She stared at Lilli for a long moment then cocked her head to the other less busy side of the hallway. “Do you have a moment? I’d like to talk with you.”
“I probably should get back to—”
“Max,” Kiki said, her beautiful face tightening with displeasure. “He can wait. This won’t take long.”
Lilli reluctantly followed Kiki.
“You probably don’t know this, but Max and I have a very close relationship. Very close,” she emphasized. “In fact, no one would be surprised if we were to get married. We’ve been seeing each other for a couple of years.”
Lilli nodded. “I see.”
“A man like Max, well, a woman just has to accept that he may stray every now and then. It doesn’t really mean anything. Men, especially powerful men, have women throwing themselves at them all the time.”
Lilli wondered what this had to do with her.
“Now Max hasn’t wanted to admit anything,” Kiki continued with a determined smile that didn’t reach her eyes. “I’m sure he doesn’t want to hurt my feelings. But I’m not stupid. He obviously feels obligated toward you and I can understand why you would want to take advantage of the situation.”
“Not really,” Lilli said.
Kiki waved her hand. “You don’t need to deny it. I can’t imagine any woman in your position who wouldn’t exploit the situation to her advantage.”
Lilli felt a spurt of anger. “I’m—”
“Just hear me out,” Kiki interjected. “What you need to understand is that you won’t be able to hold him. Sure, he’ll be a great father
to the child, but Max is a special man and trust me, he requires special handling. I know he will provide financial support for your child. But you seem like an independent-minded woman, so I thought you might like some additional support of your own.”
Confusion and wariness mixed inside her. “Additional support?”
Kiki lowered her voice. “Here’s the deal. You leave Max, never come back and don’t get in my way and I’ll give you fifty thousand dollars.”
Lilli blinked at the woman in disbelief. “Are you serious?”
“Dead serious,” Kiki said. “Max is very important to me.”
Incredulous, Lilli shook her head. “I can’t—”
“Sure you can. Think about it. Imagine getting all that money and a clean break to do what you want where you want.” She paused a half beat. “If you make the move within a week, I might even throw in a bonus. You could buy yourself a little condo or house and be in charge of your own life. Trust me, if you stay with Max, he’ll have an opinion about everything you say and do.” She pressed a card into Lilli’s hand. “Call me. I’ll make it worth your while.”
Lilli stared after the woman as she strode away. She couldn’t believe what had just happened. The conversation ran through her mind again, but it was almost too much for her to comprehend.
“Hey, Lilli,” Mallory said, moving her hand in front of Lilli’s face. “Are you okay? You look a little sick. Should you sit down?”
Lilli shook her head to clear it. “No, I just—” She sighed and headed back to the table.
“Are you sure?” Mallory asked as she followed after her. “You look pale. Like you’re sick or you just had a close encounter with an alien or something. Some people don’t believe in that stuff, but I do.”
Lilli shook her head at the irony. “That’s a pretty good explanation,” she said.
“What is?” Mallory asked.
“A close encounter with an alien,” Lilli said, crumpling Kiki’s card into a little wad and tossing it onto a passing waiter’s empty tray.
Mallory nodded and whispered, “The place is full of aliens tonight, isn’t it?”
Still shaken from her encounter with Kiki, but trying to get past it, Lilli returned with Mallory to the table just as dessert was being served. Max immediately stood and helped both Lilli and Mallory into their chairs while Lilli introduced Mallory.
